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“Is”-“Ought” Dichotomy

It is only an ultimate goal, and end in itself, that makes the existence of
values possible. Metaphysically, life is the only phenomenon that is an end
in itself: a value gained and kept by a constant process of action.
Epistemologically, the concept of “value” is genetically dependent upon and
derived from the antecedent concept of “life.” To speak of “value” as apart
from “life” is worse than a contradiction in terms. “It is only the concept of
‘Life’ that makes the concept of ‘Value’ possible.”

In answer to those philosophers who claim that no relation can be established
between ultimate ends or values and the facts of reality, let me stress that
the fact that living entities exist and function necessitates the existence of
values and of an ultimate value which for any given living entity is its own
life. Thus the validation of value judgments is to be achieved by reference to
the facts of reality. The fact that a living entity is, determines what it
ought to do. So much for the issue of the relation between “is” and
“ought.”